KUALA LUMPUR: In the ongoing investigation of a Chinese national who attempted to enter Malaysia through KL International Airport (KLIA) last month, authorities are now searching for the alleged agent or middleman involved. The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner, Tan Sri Azam Baki, revealed that the individual who received RM18,000 to assist the Chinese national in entering the country was not a Malaysian citizen. “We have already identified the individual and we are currently tracing their whereabouts,” Azam said.
Azam further added that it remains uncertain whether the agent is still in the country. “Although we have obtained information on this individual through our initial investigation, we need to be given adequate space and time to thoroughly investigate the matter,” he stated.
Earlier, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing had alleged corruption among some Immigration Department officers at KLIA. Tiong admitted to being involved in the incident at KLIA where he attempted to free the detained Chinese national. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had also called for an investigation into these allegations.
While the MACC is conducting its investigation, the police are also actively involved in probing the matter. Azam, on Saturday, urged the media not to sensationalize the alleged bribery issue at the country’s entry points. He critiqued a local media portal’s report claiming that the MACC had found no evidence of bribery in their investigation so far. “It is premature to draw any conclusion from the ongoing investigation. We still have witnesses to interview. We advise the media to refrain from quoting unidentified sources and instead let us conduct a thorough investigation. Once completed, the case will be referred to the public prosecutor or the Attorney General’s office to determine if there was any involvement of bribery,” Azam emphasized.
As of July 5, the MACC has recorded statements from 14 individuals, including the two Chinese nationals, Tiong King Sing, eight immigration officers, and other witnesses. Additionally, the MACC will investigate parties responsible for handling foreigners issued with Not to Land (NTL) notices.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
